PSGIC Para 13.2 Exam: Unlock Your Promotion to Scale I Officer
Prepare for the Para 13.2 promotion exam in PSGICs with our complete guide. Understand the online structure, syllabus, and get expert tips to ace your Scale I Officer promotion.
PARA 13.2
STUDY4INSURANCE
6/15/20258 min read
Para 13.2 Exam Guide: Your Path to Officer Cadre in PSGICs
Are you an ambitious Class III or IV employee within a Public Sector General Insurance Company (PSGIC) looking to elevate your career? The Para 13.2 Competitive Examination is the crucial gateway to achieving your dream of becoming a Scale I Officer. This internal promotion exam, a cornerstone of career progression within PSGICs, is designed to identify and promote deserving talent.
The Para 13.2 exam is now conducted entirely in an online mode. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the updated exam structure, syllabus, and provide actionable preparation strategies to help you ace this significant career milestone.
What is the Para 13.2 Exam and Why is it Important?
The Para 13.2 exam refers to a specific clause (Para 13.2) in the Promotion Policy for Supervisory, Clerical, and Subordinate Staff in Public Sector General Insurance Companies. It provides a structured competitive examination pathway for employees to be considered for promotion to the Scale I Officer cadre. Successfully clearing this exam is a testament to an employee's knowledge, skills, and readiness to take on higher responsibilities, directly impacting their career trajectory and growth within the organization.
Who Can Appear for the Para 13.2 Promotion Exam?
The Para 13.2 Competitive Examination is specifically open to all Class III/IV employees of Public Sector General Insurance Companies. Eligibility criteria regarding service period or other specific requirements are typically communicated internally by each company as part of the promotion exercise.
Updated Para 13.2 Exam Structure: Online Mode Explained
The Para 13.2 exam structure is designed to assess both departmental knowledge and general aptitude. The examination comprises two papers, each carrying 100 marks, totaling 200 marks.
Paper 1: Departmental Subjects (100 Marks)
This paper focuses on core insurance knowledge and is conducted in an objective, online MCQ format.
Total Marks: 100
Format: Objective Type Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) only
Subjects (Groups): There are six (06) groups of departmental subjects:
Fire Insurance
Marine Insurance
Miscellaneous Insurance
Accounts & Investments
Personnel & Legal (Labour Laws)
Data Processing / Mechanization & Management Information Systems
Question Distribution: Each group contains 40 MCQs, with each MCQ carrying 1 mark. Each MCQ has 4 options.
Candidate's Choice: Candidates must choose any three (03) groups from the given six for answering. This makes 120 questions available to you.
Attempt Limit: Out of the 120 questions from your chosen groups, you must answer a maximum of 100 MCQs only. If more than 100 questions are attempted, only the first 100 questions (in the order they appear) will be considered for evaluation.
Time Allotted: The composite time for Paper 1 is 2 hours (120 minutes).
No Sectional Cut-offs: There are no individual minimum passing marks for each of the 03 groups opted in Paper 1.
No Negative Marking: Importantly, there is NO PENALTY for wrong answers in Paper 1.
Paper 2: English and General Knowledge (100 Marks)
This paper assesses your communication skills and general awareness, comprising both objective and descriptive parts.
Total Marks: 100
Parts:
Objective Part (On-line mode - MCQs): 75 Marks
Sections: Consists of two (02) sections:
English: 25 MCQs
General Knowledge: 50 MCQs
Compulsory Questions: All 75 MCQs are compulsory. Each carries 1 mark.
Time Allotted: Composite time of 1 hour 15 minutes.
No Negative Marking: There will be no penalty for wrong answers in this part.
Descriptive Part (On-line mode): 25 Marks
Questions: Contains three (03) questions:
Essay (10 marks) with a choice to write on any one of four topics
Précis (10 marks)
Letter (5 marks)
Format: Questions are displayed on the screen, and answers are to be typed directly on the same screen.
Time Allotted: Composite time of 1 hour 15 minutes.
No Part-wise Passing Marks: There are no individual minimum passing marks in the subjective and objective parts of Paper 2, or for English and G.K. sections.
Schedule of Activities (Example based on a past exam)
09:15 a.m.: Reporting time for candidates at the examination venue.
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon: Paper 1 (Online) - Departmental Subjects.
12:00 noon to 01:15 p.m.: LUNCH BREAK.
01:15 p.m.: Reporting time for candidates for Paper II.
02:00 p.m. to 03:15 p.m.: Paper 2 (i) MCQ (Online) - English & General Knowledge.
03:15 p.m. to 04:30 p.m.: Paper 2 (ii) Descriptive (Online) - Essay, Précis, Letter Writing.
Passing Requirements
To be declared as having passed the examination, candidates must meet the following criteria:
General Category: A minimum of 50 marks in each of Paper 1 and Paper 2, with an aggregate of 120 marks for both papers combined.
SC/ST Category: A minimum of 40 marks in each of Paper 1 and Paper 2, with an aggregate of 100 marks for both papers combined.
Online Exam Protocols & Key Instructions
Familiarizing yourself with the online examination interface is crucial for a smooth test-taking experience.
Login: You will log in using your Roll No. / User Name and Password printed on your Photo Admit Card.
On-Screen Instructions: After logging in, read the instructions carefully before clicking 'I am ready to begin'.
Timer: A countdown timer will display the remaining time for the paper. The exam ends automatically when time runs out.
Navigating Questions: In Paper 1, group names are displayed on the top bar, allowing you to click and view questions within a group. For MCQs, click on your chosen option and then 'Save & Next' to confirm your answer and move on.
Mark for Review: You can 'Mark for Review and Next' to save an answer and flag it for later reconsideration. If an answer is selected for a question marked for review, it will still be considered for final evaluation.
Changing Answers: To change an MCQ answer, select the question, click on the new option, and then 'Save & Next'.
Rough Work: A sheet of paper will be provided for rough work. Remember to return this sheet to the Test Administrator after the examination.
Prohibited Items: No calculators (separate or with watch), cell phones, pagers, or any other electronic devices are allowed.
Admit Card & ID: You must bring your Photo Admit Card with a recent passport-size photograph affixed and authenticated by your company, along with your employer-issued photo identity card.
Technical Glitches: While efforts are made to ensure a smooth online examination, technical issues can occur. In such events, the decision of the test conducting body regarding rectification or re-examination will be final.
Effective Preparation Tips for the Para 13.2 Exam
Success in the Para 13.2 exam requires a structured and dedicated approach.
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly: Go through each subject and topic listed for Paper 1 and Paper 2. Prioritize areas where you feel less confident.
Strategic Group Selection (Paper 1): In Paper 1, choose the three departmental groups where you have the strongest command or the greatest interest. Since there's no negative marking, focus on maximizing your attempts in these chosen areas.
Master Insurance Concepts: For Paper 1, delve deep into the principles and practices of Fire, Marine, Miscellaneous Insurance, Accounts & Investments, Personnel & Legal, and Data Processing/MIS. Refer to standard textbooks and internal company circulars.
Practice English Skills: For the descriptive part of Paper 2, regularly practice essay writing, précis writing, and letter writing. Focus on clarity, conciseness, grammar, and vocabulary. For the objective English section, work on grammar rules, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Stay Updated on General Knowledge: Read newspapers, magazines, and reliable online sources to stay informed about current affairs, significant national and international events, economic developments, and general science.
Practice Online Mock Tests: Since the exam is online, practicing mock tests in a simulated online environment is crucial. This will help you get accustomed to the interface, time management, and question navigation.
Time Management: Allocate specific time to each section during practice. During the actual exam, keep an eye on the countdown timer.
Review and Revise: Regularly revise all subjects. Use the 'Mark for Review' feature effectively during the exam to revisit uncertain questions.
Stay Calm and Confident: A calm mind can perform better. Believe in your preparation and approach the exam with confidence.
Conclusion
The Para 13.2 Internal Promotion Exam is an excellent opportunity for dedicated PSGIC employees to advance their careers and contribute more significantly to their organizations. By understanding the updated online exam structure, diligently preparing with focus on both subject matter and online test-taking strategies, you can confidently approach this competitive examination.
Suggested Resources:
Insurance Institute of India (III) Study Material: The III often provides syllabi and recommended readings for their examinations.
General Knowledge Books & Current Affairs Magazines: For Paper 2.
Online Mock Test Platforms: STUDY4INSURANCE is mock tests are best source for the practice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Para 13.2 exam conducted offline or online now?
Answer: The Para 13.2 exam is now conducted entirely in online mode.
Is there negative marking in the Para 13.2 exam?
Answer: No, there is NO negative marking for wrong answers in either Paper 1 or Paper 2.
How many groups do I need to choose in Paper 1?
Answer: You need to choose any three (03) groups out of the six provided in Paper 1 for answering.
How many questions do I need to attempt in Paper 1?
Answer: Out of the 120 questions from your chosen three groups, you must attempt a maximum of 100 questions only. If more than 100 questions are attempted, only the first 100 will be considered for evaluation.
What are the passing marks for the Para 13.2 exam?
Answer: For General Category candidates, a minimum of 50 marks in each of Paper 1 and Paper 2 is required, with an aggregate of 120 marks for both papers together. For SC/ST Category candidates, a minimum of 40 marks in each of Paper 1 and Paper 2, with an aggregate of 100 marks for both papers together, is required.
Do I need to click 'submit' at the end of the online exam?
Answer: No, the system will automatically save your answers and end the examination by default once the allotted time for the respective paper runs out. You are not required to click the 'submit' button.
Can I change my chosen groups in Paper 1 after I start?
Answer: Yes, you can change your chosen groups in Paper 1. If you wish to opt for a new group after selecting three, a notice will appear. You may then reset your choice by deselecting one of the previously chosen groups. However, be aware that all answers chosen for the deselected group will be deleted.
What should I bring to the examination venue?
Answer: You should bring your Photo Admit Card with a recent passport-size photograph duly pasted and authenticated by your company, along with your employer company's identity card bearing your photograph. You will also need a ballpoint pen.
Will I be provided with rough work paper? A9: Yes, a sheet of paper will be provided for rough work. You must return this sheet to the Test Administrator before leaving the venue after both the objective and descriptive tests are over.
Can I review questions during the online exam?
Answer: Yes, you can mark questions for review. If an answer is selected for a question that is marked for review, the answer will still be considered in the final evaluation. You can also move the mouse cursor over Group names in Paper 1 to view the status of questions for that Group.
What happens if there are technical problems during the online exam?
Answer: While efforts are made to prevent them, technical problems can occur. In such an event, every effort will be made to rectify the problem, and this may include conducting another examination if necessary. The decision of the test conducting body in this regard will be final. Candidates unwilling to accept such a change would lose their candidature.
Are calculators or mobile phones allowed in the exam hall?
Answer: No, the use of calculators (separate or with watch), cell phones (with or without camera facility), pagers, or any other electronic device is strictly prohibited during the examination.
